Architecture: Summer at Penn

Architecture: Summer at Penn

University of Pennsylvania - Day & Residential Program

Based on the approach in Penn’s Undergraduate Architecture program, you are encouraged to develop a unique creative imagination while learning specific architectural design skills. Projects are explored in the space between your potentially boundless ideas, the limitations of contemporary design tools and the physical reality of Philadelphia’s man-made and natural environment.

Offered by the University of Pennsylvania School of Design, the summer architecture program for high school students prepares you for college admissions as you experience college life and create your portfolio. Working with UPenn faculty, you will experiment with different disciplines and learn new skills, using the city of Philadelphia’s historic and modern architecture for inspiration. The courses are similar to those offered by the University of Pennsylvania Architecture Program, but are sequenced and paced for the age and experience of high school students.

Architecture Studio

The studio style learning approach introduces the fundamentals of design through 2D and 3D exercises. Assignments in freehand drawing, technical drawing, and model building allow you to explore various techniques and materials. The studio begins with an abstract exercise to familiarize you with the essentials of critical thinking and your creative strengths. The initial exercise is followed by a project in which you design your own space. Plus, you will use the city of Philadelphia as your extended classroom. From visiting architecture firms to the historic and modern architecture of Philadelphia itself, you will learn from the city around you.

Portfolio Building

Express your personal ideas as you go from the basic architectural design process, to hand drawing, to creating digital models you can include in your portfolio. Then, you'll go beyond design, looking into future career opportunities and what it means to be an architect. With a limited number of students per studio, you'll receive one-on-one personal attention from experienced architects and UPenn faculty every day. Plus, you will visit local architecture firms, so you can speak with today's industry leaders. Finally, all student work is displayed in a final exhibition in Penn's art gallery which takes place on the last Friday of the session.

Architecture at Penn

The Architecture Department is housed at Charles Addams Hall, in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus, at the corner of Walnut Street and 36th Street. In addition to design studios, exhibition spaces, classrooms and offices, this facility includes state of the art laboratories for computing and fabrication, and two advanced research labs.

Campus Life at Penn

The University of Pennsylvania is a historic Ivy League university located in the heart of Philadelphia. During the summer Architecture Program, the UPenn campus is filled with high school students, undergraduates, graduate students and professors; giving you the real collegiate experience.

Life in the University City District

There is always something to do when class is over: movies, tours, events in the Quad, going to the gym and more. Campus is surrounded by dozens of shops and restaurants that are fun to explore with friends.

Campus Highlights

UPenn Bookstore - Get your UPenn gear here.

Campus Art Galleries - Check out student work here, as well as your own at the final exhibition.

Jon M. Huntsman Hall - Check out the top floor and experience a commanding view of Penn’s campus and downtown Philadelphia at the Wharton School of Business.

Dorm Life

You’ll be living in the famous Quad with other students attending JKCP and UPenn programs. While the original building cornerstone was laid in 1895, the dorms were completely renovated and updated in 2009. Your room will be either a single or double, furnished with a bed, desk, chair and dresser. If you are in a double, you will be rooming with someone who is similar in age and grade in school. You will be provided with your room number, room location and roommate's name when you arrive on campus.

You’ll also have a team of residential counselors who live in the dorm on the same floor as you. Outside of class, your amazing counselors are responsible for helping you meet your new life-long friends, navigate dorm life, entertainment, evening activities and weekend trips.

Meals

Flexible Dining Options

You may choose from a selection of Penn’s main dining facilities located within walking distance from the Quad including Houston Market, 1920 Commons, glatt kosher dining and an incredible selection of off campus restaurants. On campus, enjoy a bountiful, seasonal salad bar, made-to-order deli, fresh, hot pizzas, savory soups, veggie, chicken, and beef burgers grilled to perfection, and delectable desserts.

Off Campus Meals

Off campus meals are at your expense. One night a week dinner will be at a restaurant. You will also eat off campus for lunch and dinner on your Saturday trip. Maybe you want to take the time to sit down with friends at the beach or grab a quick bite on your way to the next site in NYC.

Dietary Needs

As it is in college cafeterias, you are given the freedom to make your own choices. There are always multiple options available for each meal including vegetarian choices. If you have special dietary needs or allergies, please contact us prior to your arrival. If you are interested in kosher dining on campus, please email edwardk@jkcp.com or call 610.265.9401 x18 for details.

Medical

If you don’t feel well, just let your counselor know and we’ll help you get better in no time. Chances are you won’t need it, but we have a nurse and doctor on-call and the campus is only a few steps away from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), one of the finest in the nation. As long as you keep taking any medicine you normally do at home, eat right and get some sleep, you should have nothing to worry about.

Safety

Safety on and off campus is always our number one priority. We have found a counselor to student ratio of approximately 1:10 is the perfect balance of freedom coupled with safe supervision. You are also always required to stay in groups of three or more and check-in at regular intervals when off campus.

JKCP is proactive about your safety:

24/7 UPenn Campus Security

Extensive FBI staff background checks

Intensive staff and student orientations

Staff trained to handle situations discreetly, with care and sensitivity

Professionally designed crisis management plan

Access to the region’s top hospitals within minutes

A registered nurse, doctor and trainer who are always on call

Travel

Whether you are coming from Sao Paulo, San Francisco, Stockholm or Shanghai, getting to Philadelphia is easy by plane, train or car.

We’ll be there to pick you up!

The Philadelphia International Airport is about 20 minutes from campus.

There are nearly 600 daily arrivals from 120 cities, including 36 international destinations.

The Amtrak train also goes right to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station.

Faculty

Learning Architecture at UPenn

The University of Pennsylvania School of Design is dedicated to promoting excellence in design across a rich diversity of programs including Architecture, City Planning, Landscape Architecture and Fine Arts. They believe in the centrality of design to all aspects of creativity. A dual challenge is offered to you, our students: explore a broad range of possibilities through both practice and theory.

UPenn's Summer Architecture Program Faculty

Students enrolled in the Architecture: Summer at UPenn program learn from world-renowned faculty from UPenn's School of Design. Classes are kept small to ensure you will receive personal attention from each faculty member.

International Experience

Students from Over 35 States and 40 Countries

In today’s global economy, we believe it is essential for you to be exposed to different cultures. There is so much value in realizing how diverse our world is and your ability to connect with new people across all cultures. Every year we hear how much students enjoy meeting people from all over the country and the world and how it opened their eyes to different parts of the world. We love nothing more than to hear about you traveling to another part of the world to visit one of your new friends and how these lifelong connections have shaped your lives. We really are creating a “World Without Strangers.”

Application Requirements

After completing your application, you can login to your account to complete your additional requirements:

Two Letters of Recommendation: Please list two recommenders who will support your application for admission. We will contact each recommender to provide our letter of recommendation form. Recommendations will be used exclusively in the evaluation process and will be kept strictly confidential from both candidates and parents. At least one of the two recommenders should be a teacher from your school.

Copy of Academic Transcript: Must include Fall 2014 grades.

A few short answer questions and an essay.

Please provide a line drawing, or sketch, in pencil of the interior or exterior of a building that you find architecturally interesting. This drawing should be done on an 8 ½ by 11 inch white paper and scanned as a .jpeg or .pdf file.

Policies

Before applying to a program, you, the applicant, are responsible for evaluating your interests and credentials carefully to determine whether you are suitable for the selected program(s). The submission of an application constitutes an assurance that you meet the minimum admission standards for the program; you are prepared linguistically, academically, and socially to succeed and derive benefits from the program; and it is appropriate for your academic program or goals. Once accepted, you will be required to complete additional forms by May 1, 2015 including arrival information, departure information, health information, room and key agreement, and rules & policies acknowledgment. Both the application fee and session fee are non-refundable. You are required to be present from the first day of the program.

Payment Options

Fees and Deposit

We require a $75 application fee and a deposit ($500 for residential, $250 for day) at the time of application which may be paid via credit card. If you are not accepted into the program, your deposit will be refunded. Charges will appear on your credit card statement as “JKST, Inc.”.

Typical Day

Residential Schedule

There really is no "typical" day at Architecture.

However, it is a question we are asked often. So, we outlined a sample schedule for you. As part of a pre-college program, the schedule and offerings do vary by day and depend on what’s happening in the program. This variation really gives you a taste of college life!

Schedule of a day

Morning

7:45am Wakeup

8:15am Breakfast

9:00am Morning Class

Afternoon

12:00pm Lunch

1:00pm Afternoon Class

4:00pm Studio Time or Activity

Evening

6:00pm Dinner

7:00pm Evening Activity

10:00pm Curfew & Evening Meeting

Day Student Schedule

Please arrive on campus at 9:00am. We’ll meet you at Charles Addams Hall on Penn's Campus. There is a walkway to the building right at Walnut and 36th Street. Pick up is at 4:00pm at the end of the day and is in the same location.

Day students are welcome to join us for evening activities. Just let the director know at drop off and bring money with you for the evening activity.

Schedule of a day

Morning

9:00am Day Student Drop Off

9:00am Morning Class

Afternoon

12:00pm Lunch

1:00pm Afternoon Class

4:00pm Studio Time or Pick Up

Weekend Trips

Saturdays

Two or three trips are offered every Saturday to regional destinations of your choice. It is a jam packed, full day trip! We leave campus after breakfast on air-conditioned motor coaches and return after dinner that evening. Remember to bring some spending money for off campus meals and any souvenirs you might want to buy!

2015 Schedule

July 11: New York City, Six Flags Great Adventure

July 18: Washington DC, Ocean City NJ

July 25: New York City, Paintball in the Poconos, Six Flags Great Adventure

Sundays

Start a little later on Sundays. You can sleep in and enjoy a great brunch on campus. Then, pick from a variety of trip options in the local Philadelphia area.

Evening Activities

If you reside on campus, you will participate in evening activities. Each evening, you will participate in either an on campus or off campus activity. The studio is also open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. You can use this time to work on your projects.

Evening activities include:

Dances

King of Prussia or Cherry Hill Mall

Downtown Philadelphia Trips

Movies

Campus Olympics

Casino Night

Amazing Race

Bowling

Behind the Scenes

There is no app for that!

You've got to be here.

As these photos and videos will show you, there actually isn’t an app for this experience! You can’t login remotely and you can’t join us via Google hangout - it just wouldn’t be the same. You have to be here; doing it, living it, being a part of it. So, go ahead and explore our videos and images. Then, make us part of your story. What will your favorite moment be?

FAQ's

Students live in the Quad, a dormitory-style residence hall on the University of Pennsylvania campus.

How are roommates assigned?

Our goal is to have students develop new relationships and become part of a broader learning community. Therefore, we pair students with roommates whom they are just meeting at the program.

What happens if a room key is lost?

We need a credit card authorization form on file before you arrive. This is in case you lose your key or damage your room. If you lose your key notify our staff immediately. The locks will need to be changed and the credit card on file will be charged.

What meals are covered?

You will dine with the other students for most meals at university dining halls which is part of your tuition. You are responsible for three meals per week when we are dining off campus.

What should I do if I have a problem while I'm away from home?

While cell phone use is allowed, please notify the director immediately instead of calling home with any problem that arises. Those who use this direct communication get their problem resolved in the quickest and most professional manner.

How can I do my laundry?

You can use the free on campus laundry machines. If using this option, students will need to provide their own laundry detergent. Our counselors can help those who are doing laundry for the first time. There is also a dry cleaner near campus.

Are linens and bedding provided?

Bring your own, or for $65 JKCP will provide a fitted and flat sheet, bath towel, washcloth, a pillow, pillowcase and blanket. Select this option when completing your pre-summer forms. Linen is included as part of the international student package.

What is your policy on smoking and substance abuse?

We have a zero tolerance policy for the possession and/or use of alcohol, tobacco, weapons, and drugs while enrolled in our program. Use or possession will result in immediate expulsion. Any costs associated with the expulsion are at your expense.

When should I apply?

This is a competitive program and admission is on a rolling basis. The earlier your application is received, the better your chances of being accepted. Admissions are made when completed applications and deposits have been paid.

Can I save my application information and come back to finish it?

After filling out your registration form, paying your deposit and application fee, and creating your online account, you will be able to save and return to complete your application.

How do I know that you have received my application?

After submitting your online application form, you will receive an e-mail within 48 hours to confirm receipt. Also, we will send you a weekly update on the status of your application materials.

Will I receive college credit for participating in the program?

No, it is a non-credit, enrichment program.

Do I need to obtain a visa if I live outside the U.S.?

Depending on your home country, some international students will need to apply for a visa. When doing so please apply for a visitor’s visa, not a student visa, and indicate that you will be attending a “summer camp” in the United States.

Do you offer financial aid?

You may request a scholarship by completing our financial aid application form. If approved, any adjustments are normally made in the form of partial tuition reduction, which is typically between 5% and 25% off the tuition price.

How do I apply for financial aid?

We aim to ensure that qualified students have the opportunity to attend the program, regardless of personal financial circumstances. To be considered for need-based aid you are required to submit the financial aid application and applicable forms.

Error:Your account is not linked to this organization, when trying to log in?

If you receive this error while trying to log into your account please call Active Network Technical Support at 877.228.4881 option 3.

How safe is the campus?

The campus is very safe. The dorm is staffed by directors and team advisors who are trained by Penn Public Safety. UPenn has 24/7 Campus Security. There are also strict visiting policies and key cards are required to enter any dorm or classrooms.

Do you offer travel insurance?

Yes, for students living outside of the U.S. may purchase insurance through AVI by contacting them directly.

What is the format of the four week program?

The curriculum is taken from undergraduate courses. You will be in classes and studios every day, go on field trips to see the architecture in Philadelphia and visit local architecture firms.

What does Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs have to do with the program?

JKCP is a service provider that has a contractual relationship with UPenn. JKCP provides administrative support, student life and residential services. The University is wholly responsible for the admissions review and provides all academic content.

How much spending money should I bring?

The amount of spending money you will need is at your discretion. We suggest that you bring approximately $100–$125 per week for laundry, off-campus meals, snacks and personal expenses. This money should be in the form of a debit or credit card.

How will I get to and from campus?

We offer transportation to and from Philadelphia International Airport or Philadelphia's 30th Street Amtrak Train Station. We suggest hiring a driver if you fly to another airport or location. We recommend professional driver Robert Folz 610.636.4530.

Does participation in the program give me an advantage when applying to Penn?

There is no correlation between participation in the program and favorable admission to Penn.

If I am an observant Jewish participant, how can I observe my religion?

JKCP will offer a kosher meal plan through Chabbad of UPenn, twice daily prayer and a Shabbat program through Chabbad as well. If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, please contact edwardk@jkcp.com or call 610.265.9401 x18.

Testimonials

My son Andrew is graduating high school this June and headed to Penn in the fall…in large part due to the many summers he had with you guys at Penn!

– Cynthia Remec, Parent

My daughter had a very positive experience and I would definitely recommend this program to other parents for their children.

– Sally Franklin, Parent

I was concerned about her first time away from home and in the city. I can tell you she absolutely loved the experience and safety is top notch.